A New Jersey-based Italian cheese importer has issued an urgent nationwide recall of multiple cheese products after routine safety testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium that poses severe health risks to vulnerable populations.
The Ambriola Company, which specializes in importing and producing Italian cheeses, announced the voluntary recall on November 26 through the Food and Drug Administration following confirmation of the dangerous pathogen’s presence in their products.
The recall represents an expansion of food safety concerns that initially surfaced earlier this week when the company first pulled Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese from store shelves due to potential listeria contamination.
High-Risk Groups Face Serious Health Threats
Health officials are particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations, as consuming contaminated products could result in serious illness or death among young children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.
Listeria infections can cause severe symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. For individuals with weakened immune systems, listeria can cause invasive illness affecting the bloodstream and brain.
Routine Testing Uncovers Contamination
The discovery came to light during standard safety testing procedures, highlighting the importance of ongoing food safety monitoring in the cheese industry. The FDA’s announcement underscores the collaborative approach between food manufacturers and federal regulators in protecting public health.
Consumers who have purchased any Ambriola Company cheese products are advised to check their refrigerators immediately and dispose of any recalled items. Those who may have consumed the affected products and are experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
The recall affects products distributed nationwide, though specific retail locations and lot numbers have not been detailed in the initial announcement. The company is working with the FDA to ensure all contaminated products are removed from the marketplace.
This incident adds to growing concerns about listeria contamination in dairy products, as the cheese-making process can sometimes create conditions favorable to bacterial growth if proper safety protocols are not maintained throughout production and storage.
The Ambriola Company has not yet announced when production might resume or what additional safety measures will be implemented to prevent future contamination incidents.
